Our Roundtable Question: How can the South Shore Long Island seller/homeowner best use the upcoming Holiday Season to showcase their home to prospective buyers?
Joan Woletsky, Associate Broker, Fire Island Sales & Rentals
joeanie@fisr.com • 516-521-6842
At Fire Island Sales and Rentals, our expertise lies in sales and rentals within this vibrant beach community. Homeowners typically enjoy their beach houses from April through November, taking advantage of the warm seasons to create lasting memories with family and friends. One cherished tradition is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, which is when many families gather for a final celebration before closing their homes for the winter. This annual gathering reinforces family bonds and highlights the importance of community in this unique environment.
While the holiday season brings a quieter ambiance, the island remains lively with festive events. From Halloween to New Year’s, visitors can take a ferry ride to experience the town adorned with beautiful holiday decorations.
As a real estate agent, I emphasize the strong sense of community that persists year-round when showing homes during this time. I encourage potential buyers to immerse themselves in the island’s culture by attending local events. Whether trick-or-treating with neighbors, participating in Shabbat dinners, joining a Thanksgiving potluck, or enjoying the festive tree and menorah lightings, there’s always something happening on the island.
These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and make house-hunting in the chilly weather a delightful experience. Fire Island offers homes and a welcoming community where traditions thrive throughout the year.
Margaret (Meg) Smith, Associate Broker, Daniel Gale Realty
margaretsmith@danielgale.com • 516.578.7153
The holiday season is a Magical Time to showcase a house!! People put a lot of thought into creating memories or re-creating cherished moments––so they put items out in their homes to do so––the vintage ornaments from Grandma’s Christmas tree, the nutcracker their kids gave them, and so on. A house takes on a whole new personality during the holidays.
By asking the homeowners about these items, they convey what celebrating special times in that home means. When I show their home, I relay these memories to a prospective buyer because they add to the feeling about that house. Then, I ask that prospective buyer what some of their traditions are. I try to create a bridge between their traditions and the house they are considering.
If the decorations are particularly gorgeous, I will have two sets of photos taken––one with decorations full on and a set without––during the holiday season; I will post the pictures with decorations up and then the other set once the holiday is over.
Decorations post-holiday can date a listing. Likewise, I may do the same for snow or season changes. Capturing the listing at its most magical time allows the buyer to imagine themselves living in that house during special times!
Megan Gardner, Licensed Salesperson, Signature Premier Properties
megangardinerhomes.com • 631-255-3878
As the holiday season approaches, South Shore Long Island sellers have a unique opportunity to showcase their homes at their best. The festive period brings a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and charm, naturally drawing potential buyers’ interest and capturing their hearts. Homes adorned with holiday decorations exude an inviting atmosphere, helping buyers envision themselves celebrating in these cozy spaces.
Start with simple, tasteful décor to make the most of the season. Think classic wreaths, soft lighting, and festive but subtle touches—especially around entryways, fireplaces, and windows, which naturally attract attention. Avoid overdoing it; you want to highlight the home’s features, not distract from them. Homes on the South Shore can benefit from holiday-specific staging emphasizing water views, natural light, and cozy indoor-outdoor spaces, as many buyers appreciate these lifestyle elements.
Additionally, as fewer hours of daylight are available during the holiday season, you’ll want to strive to schedule open houses or private viewings during late afternoons and cozy glowing sunset hours when you show off and highlight your home’s charm and create a cozy, welcoming environment.
Finally, keep curb appeal strong. A well-lit walkway, freshly swept steps, and a tasteful doormat make a world of difference. By embracing the holiday season with these thoughtful touches, you create a memorable experience that resonates with buyers looking to make lasting memories in a new home this holiday season.
Tanya Fuchs, Licensed Associate Broker, Ramsay Realtors
631-478-8546 • tanyafuchs@gmail.com
A residential real estate transaction is an emotional experience for buyers and sellers, which naturally heightens during the holiday season. Generations of families gathered in these homes to have meals in the dining rooms, exchange gifts by the Christmas tree (or light the menorah), and tell old stories by the fireplace. Sellers are decorating their houses and hosting family and friends for potentially the last time, and buyers are picturing what future holidays will look like in that particular home/neighborhood.
I have always encouraged sellers to list their homes during the holidays for a couple of reasons: First, there is a lot less competition. However, the number of qualified/serious buyers will stay the same or possibly increase, so it’s a great opportunity to get the highest price possible. Second, when a house is tastefully decorated during the holiday season, those buyers who walk through your door can envision what holidays will look like in the years to come, the house also feels warm and more homey. Even the smells of a warm fire, Fraser fir, cookies and candles can be more inviting!
